§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Homo Secretary whether he is aware that the hours of asylum workers have been increased to 66 per week; that the rate of pay has been reduced; what is now the basic rate; whether a number of rural authorities threatened to withdraw from the conciliation board and deal with their staffs individually and directly unless an arrangement was arrived at for an increase of hours together with a reduction of wages; whether, under this arrangement, the attendants will have to work a 12-hour day; and, if so, in view of the severe nervous strain that will be imposed on the staffs of the various asylums throughout the country, will he have inquiries made into the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have been asked to reply. I understand that proposals regarding wages and hours have been under discussion between representatives of the asylums and the workpeople employed there, and that a ballot on the proposals is now in progress. In these circumstances, I should prefer to make no statement on the matter.